Sameer Jadhav

A clinical survey of the output intensity of 200 light curing units in dental offices across Maharashtra

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the intensity of light curing units and factors affecting it in dental offices. Materials and Methods: The output intensity of 200 light curing units in dental offices across Maharashtra were examined. The collection of related information (thenumber of months of use of curing unit, the approximate number of times used in a day, and presence or absence of composite build-ups) and measurement of the intensity was performed by two operators. L.E.D Radiometer (Kerr) was used for measuring the output intensity. The average output intensity was divided into three categories (<200 mW/cm2, 200-400 mW/ cm2and >400 mW/cm2). Results: Among the 200 curing units examined, 81 were LED units and 119 were QTH units. Only 10% LED machines and 2% QTH curing units had good intensities (>400 mW/cm 2). Conclusion: Most of the examined curing lights had low output intensity ranging from 200 to 400 mW/cm2, and most of the curing units had composite build-ups on them.

Influence of light curing units on failure of directcomposite restorations

Light polymerizable tooth colored restorative materials are most widely preferred for advantages such as esthetics, improved physical properties and operators control over the working time. Since the introduction of these light polymerizable restorative materials, there has been a concern about the depth of appropriate cure throughout the restoration. Photopolymerization of the composite is of fundamental importance because adequate polymerization is a crucial factor for optimization of the physical and mechanical properties and clinical results of the composite material. Inadequate polymerization results in greater deterioration at the margins of the restoration, decreased bond strength between the tooth and the restoration, greater cytotoxicity, and reduced hardness. Therefore, the dentist must use a light curing unit that delivers adequate and sufficient energy to optimize composite polymerization. Varying light intensity affects the degree of conversion of monomer to polymer and depth of cure.

Salivary immunoglobulin A in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with focus on dental caries: a cross-sectional study

Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is postulated to protect against dental caries. Dental hygiene and health are usually poor in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to several factors. We hypothesized higher salivary sIgA in caries-free subjects and a higher extent of caries in RA. A protocol-driven cross-sectional pilot study was carried out to determine salivary sIgA in 48 patients with RA and 102 non-RA, healthy case controls. Standard of care in clinical and dental assessments were done by experts. A decay, missing teeth, filled teeth (DMFT) index was used to classify caries. Whole unstimulated saliva was collected to assay sIgA using a commercial ELISA kit. Dental caries was diagnosed in 67% and 86% of the RA and healthy subjects, respectively. Eight percent of RA patients had visited a dental surgeon. Though they tend to be higher in caries-free status, there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between RA and non-RA subjects with respect to salivary sIgA and extent of caries. The salivary sIgA levels for both RA and healthy case control subjects in this ethnic Indian (Asian) study were much higher than that reported in literature and need further validation. Rheumatologists ought to educate patients on dental matters.

Calcium ion release from four different light-cured calcium hydroxide cements

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare calcium (Ca) ion-releasing capacity of four different light-cured calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] cements with self-cured Ca(OH)2cement. Materials and Methods: Five different brands of Ca(OH)2cements were taken and they were grouped into five groups which are as follows: Group I - Dycal (control group), Group II - Septocal, Group III – TheraCal, Group IV - Cal LC, and Group V - Hydrocal. All specimens (n = 50) were prepared by mixing and curing the cements as per manufacturers instructions. Each sample was placed on the bottom of a 4 cm high test tube in 10 ml deionized water at 37°C. This stored water was collected for Ca analysis and replaced after 7, 14, and 21 days. In this manner, ion release was measured after 7, 14, and 21 days by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy test. Results: Ca ion release from all groups at various time durations was measured and mean was calculated along with the standard deviation. These values were compared using two-way ANOVA and Tukeys post hoc test which showed highly significant result with P< 0.001. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, light-cured Ca(OH)2cements released high amount of Ca ions compared to self-cured Ca(OH)2cements. Group V (Hydrocal) and Group III (TheraCal) were found to be the highest light-cured Ca ion releasing materials.

Prevalence and prevention of musculoskeletal pain in conservative dentistry and endodontics: An online survey

Aims and Objectives: To study musculoskeletal pain in practitioners of conservative dentistry and endodontics, to study coping mechanisms and approaches for pain management and to explore the role of certain treatment options and lifestyle changes. Materials and Methods: A Google™ based form was created and was electronically mailed to all the IES/FODI/Dental Faculty in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics in the city of Pune (Maharashtra), their feedback was statistically evaluated and presented with the preventive measures for reduction of musculoskeletal pain, which is a common nagging occurrence in day today clinical practice. Conclusions: () About 80% responders suffered from musculoskeletal pain with back, neck, shoulders, lumber are the most affected joint, followed by wrist, fingers and legs (2) Preferred treatment options were (a) Mostly nonpharmacological. (b) Included posture change, stretching, music. (c) Exercise is important in working professionals (d) Technology adoption (4/6 handed dentistry) are needed, especially for correct postures while working.

Clinical evaluation of conventional and laser tooth preparation using visual analogue scale

Context: Use of lasers in painless contemporary restorative dentistry. Aims: To assess the extent of painless perception using lasers for tooth preparation based on visual analogue scale (VAS). To compare conventional and laser tooth preparation using VAS scale. Settings and Design: Adult patients reporting to the Department of Conservative Dentistry were selected. Fotona fidelis make for ER:YAG laser was used at preset laser settings for enamel and dentin removal with combination of air-water spray. Materials and Methods: Standardized class I tooth preparation for composite restorations were selected for individuals requiring treatment for teeth with similar enamel/dentinal configuration, that is, contralateral in the same individual. Carbide burs-SS White #245 were used for all preparations. Identical tooth preparations were carried out by the same operator for both the teeth using conventional high speed on one side and ER:YAG laser at noncontact mode on the other side. Fotona fidelis make was used at preset laser settings for enamel and dentin removal with combination of air-water spray. The patient was required to provide score according to the VAS scale. Statistical Analysis Used: Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The median of pain while preparing tooth by conventional method is the highest in patient (8) and the smallest in ER:YAG laser (1). The P value is very small (less than the common alpha-level of 0.05), the test is significant. Thus, it is concluded that the method of tooth preparation does affect the pain perception. Conclusions: The statistical analysis of these findings comprehensively prove that laser tooth preparation is much more painless, hence comfortable for the patient, only the economics prove to be a deterrent in its widespread usage.

Effects of conventional and laser activated intracoronal bleaching agents on ultrastructure and mineral content of dentin

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the ultra structural changes induced in dentin after exposure to different conventiona and laser-activated intracoronal bleaching agents . Materials and Methods: Forty human maxillary teeth were taken and were decoronated through the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) perpendicular to the long axis of tooth, the crown part was then cut parallel to long axis dividing the tooth into mesial and distal half. Experimental specimen were then divided into two groups (n = 20) in which group 1-35% hydrogen peroxide (Pola office SDI limited Australia) Group 2-30% hydrogen peroxide (J White Heydent GmbH Germany), the groups were further sub-divided into sub-group A - conventional application and Subgroup B - laser activation (Nd: Yag laser Fotona Fidellis III). The specimens were then evaluated under scanning electron microscope (FEI quanta 200 North America) to determine diameter of dentinal tubules and chemical analysis of the same was done. Results : Within the limits of this in vitro study, higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide used as intracoronal bleaching agent: (1) increases dentinal tubule diameter. (2) And also promote alteration in organic and inorganic components of dentin with reduction in calcium/phosphorous ratio leading to demineralization with insignificant difference between conventional application and laser activation. Conclusion : Laser activation of hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent can be added to the present treatment modalities for intracoronal bleaching techniques for faster and more accurate results.

Surface analysis of glass fiber posts after pretreatment with Er: YAG laser: An SEM study

Introduction: Surface pretreatment of posts is expected to increase the chemical and mechanical bond between the luting composite resin and the post by exposing the surface glass fibers and allowing the silane-coupling agent to directly react with the silicate group of the glass fibers allowing a stronger bond to form between the post and the resin cement. The best method to do this has not been definitively determined. Aim: To analyze the surface changes on glass fiber posts after pretreatment with erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er: YAG) laser at different settings. Materials and Methods: Twenty glass fiber posts (ReforPost, Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) were divided into four groups. Group I: No surface pretreatment was performed Group II: Surface pretreatment of posts with Er: YAG laser at 1 W Group III: Surface pretreatments of posts with Er: YAG laser at 1.5 W Group IV: Surface pretreatment of posts with Er: YAG laser at 2 W. Results and Conclusion: Er: YAG laser does not damage the glass fibers at 1.5 W and at the same time clears the epoxy resin coating over the surface of the posts potentially allowing silane coupling agent to chemically interact with exposed glass fibers.

Effect of different endodontic solvents on the effectiveness of two electronic apex locators – An in vitro study

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the influence of different endodontic solvents on the accuracy of two electronic apex locators in locating the apical foramen. Materials and Method: Eighty human permanent maxillary central incisor teeth were divided into four groups (N=20) according to solvent used and two subgroups according to apex locator used viz; Propex II and Root ZX mini, Group I-Endosolv R, Group II-RC solve, Group IIIEucalyptus oil, Group IVChloroform. Results: Statistical analysis using Cochran’s Q test and Mann-Whitney U test showed insignificant difference between four endodontic solvents for both electronic apex locators. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, Solvents used do not interfere with the functional ability of both the electronic apex locator with no difference between the ability of them to locate the apicalforamen.